Xero

Overview

Xero is cloud-based accounting software for small businesses. It connects you to your bank, accountant, bookkeeper, and other business apps in one platform.

Over 4.9 million customers use Xero to manage finances, control cash flow, send invoices, track expenses, accept payments, and run payroll. The platform includes JAX, an AI finance assistant that handles routine tasks and delivers actionable insights.

Key Benefits

• Free standard ACH bill payments are included in Xero business plans.
• Automated bank reconciliation and invoice reminders reduce manual data entry.
• JAX AI assistant provides real-time answers to business questions using public information and financial data.
• A Xero Coach provides free personalized onboarding support for your first 90 days.
• Syft Analytics delivers visually rich business insights across all plans.
• Hubdoc automatically captures and pulls bills and receipts into Xero.

How It Works

You sign up for a Xero plan and get free onboarding support from a Xero Coach who helps set up the account, connect bank feeds, and configure cash-flow and analytics dashboards. You then connect your bank accounts for automatic transaction imports, send invoices and quotes, track bills and receipts, and reconcile transactions manually or with auto-reconciliation.

JAX AI sits alongside your work, answering financial questions and surfacing insights. For payroll, you can integrate with Gusto to calculate pay and deductions, pay employees, and update Xero accounts automatically.

Use Cases

• Construction and trades businesses — send quotes and invoices, track expenses, and manage jobs from a mobile phone.
• Real estate agents — track property performance, view client records on the go, and manage taxes.
• Retail businesses — monitor cash flow on the go and reduce manual administrative work.
• Accountants and bookkeepers — manage clients and staff with Xero HQ and Practice Manager tools.
• Small business owners — handle invoicing, bill payments, expense tracking, and payroll in one place.
• Enterprise firms — manage compliance workflows and use Xero Workpapers for faster compliance.

Why Choose This Product

Xero is suited for small to medium businesses wanting an all-in-one accounting, invoicing, and payments platform with AI assistance. The free onboarding coach and app marketplace with hundreds of integrations lower the setup barrier. User interface and tap-to-pay functionality on mobile set it apart from QuickBooks according to the site.